Virtual reality brain training for young people with autism and ADHD
Tests virtual reality training for thinking skills in young people with autism and ADHD.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Virtual Reality-assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation in Autistic Youth With ADHD
Key facts
- Where
- Messina, ItalySee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 8 and 18 years old?
Source: NCT07426302, who can take part
Where in Italy
- Francesca CucinottaMessina, ItalyNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo
- Trial code
- NCT07426302
- Record updated
- 23 February 2026
- Original description
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based intervention using the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) to improve executive functions in autistic and ADHD youth aged 8 to 18 years. Executive functions, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control, are frequently impaired in individuals with autism and/or ADHD and significantly affect daily functioning. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group that receives VRRS-assisted cognitive training or a control group that receives treatment as usual. The intervention includes gamified tasks within immersive virtual environments specifically designed to stimulate executive skills. The primary outcome is the change in executive function scores from baseline to post-intervention, assessed using validated neuropsychological instruments. The study adopts a randomized controlled design.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-assisted Executive Function Training in Autistic and ADHD Youth
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based intervention using the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) to improve executive functions in autistic and ADHD youth aged 8 to 18 years. Executive functions, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control, are frequently impaired in individuals with autism and/or ADHD and significantly affect daily functioning. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group that receives VRRS-assisted cognitive training or a control group that receives treatment as usual. The intervention includes gamified tasks within immersive virtual environments specifically designed to stimulate executive skills. The primary outcome is the change in executive function scores from baseline to post-intervention, assessed using validated neuropsychological instruments. The study adopts a randomized controlled design.
Inclusion: Age between 8 and 18 years at enrollment; Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, based on DSM-5 criteria; IQ > 70; Signed Informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian; No acute or chronic medical conditions.
Exclusion: Lack of a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Failure to sign informed consent from a parent or legal guardian; Presence of acute or chronic medical conditions; Age not between 8 and 18 years at enrollment; IQ < 70.